"In the past traffic was predominately eastbound in the morning and westbound in the afternoon at that bridge," Coates said. "And what we're starting to see is that's starting to even out."

The plan would not get rid of the current structure. Instead, the current eastbound bridge would become westbound, and the current westbound lanes would become a new onramp for drivers entering Highway 40 from Chesterfield Airport Road and the outer road.

The cost is estimated at $170 million; so far, no money has been earmarked or appropriated.